Cleaning tips to help keep the COVID-19 virus out of your home

Can coronavirus disease (COVID-19) be transmitted through food? How can I wash my clothes now? The mundane household chores have become a source of uncertainty and anxiety as families struggle to complete basic tasks while keeping loved ones safe and healthy. Widespread misinformation about the virus puts everyone at risk and exacerbates the need to separate fact from fiction.
While research on the COVID-19 virus continues, we know that the virus is spread by direct contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets (through coughing and sneezing) and by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The virus can survive on surfaces from several hours to several days. Good news? Simple disinfectants can kill it. Now what does this mean for your home?
To help parents, we’ve compiled the latest information from experts on what’s known about COVID-19 and tips on how to keep it out of your home.

Cleaning tips to protect yourself from COVID-19
Personal hygiene
Simple hygiene measures can help protect the health of your family and everyone else.

don’t touch your face
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissue immediately.

keep the distance
Stay at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from people who are coughing or sneezing.

Wash, wash, wash your hands
Yes, you hear it everywhere because it’s the best line of defense. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds.
The easiest way to spend time with your kids is to sing the whole happy birthday song twice.
Be sure to wash your hands after blowing your nose, sneezing into a tissue, going to the bathroom, leaving and returning home, before preparing or eating food, applying makeup, handling contact lenses, etc.
If you use hand sanitizer, make sure it contains at least 60 percent alcohol, be sure to cover all parts of your hands and rub them together for 20 to 30 seconds until they are dry. If your hands are visibly dirty, always wash your hands with soap and water.
Did you know Cold and warm water are equally effective at killing germs and viruses, as long as you use soap and wash your hands properly!

Cleaning around the house
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in your home is an important precaution to reduce the risk of infection.
Follow the instructions on the cleaner for safe and effective use, including product application precautions such as wearing gloves and ensuring good ventilation.
Some national authorities have compiled product lists recommended for use against the COVID-19 virus.

Frequently touched surfaces for cleaning and disinfection
Every home is unique, but common surfaces that are frequently touched include: doorknobs, tables, chairs, handrails, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, faucets, toilets, light switches, cell phones, computers, tablets, keyboards, remote controls, and etc. game controllers. and loved ones. toys

What to use for cleaning and disinfection
If the surface is dirty, first clean it with soap and water or detergent. Then use a disinfectant containing alcohol (about 70 percent) or bleach. It is not recommended to use vinegar and other natural products.
In many places, it can be difficult to find disinfectant sprays and wipes. In such cases, continue cleaning with soap and water. Diluted solutions of household bleach can also be used on some surfaces.

how to disinfect
It is important not to wipe off cleaning solutions immediately after they have been applied to the surface. Many disinfectants, such as wipes and sprays, must remain wet on the surface for several minutes to work. Always read the instructions to ensure that you are using the products as recommended and that you do not damage sensitive items such as mobile phones and other electronic devices. Consider using washable electronics cases.

cleaning clothes
It is currently unclear how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on fabric, but many garments have plastic and metal elements in which it can live for hours to days.
Use caution and common sense. Good practices to consider include removing your shoes when you enter a home and putting on clean clothes when you return home from crowded areas, as well as washing your hands with soap and water immediately afterwards.

wash clothes at home
Wash sheets, towels, and clothes regularly.
Do not shake dirty clothing to minimize the possibility of airborne transmission of the virus.
Wash items with soap or detergent using the appropriate setting of the hottest water and dry thoroughly; both steps help kill the virus.
Wash your hands immediately with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Wash or disinfect your laundry bag and basket. Consider storing dirty clothes in disposable bags.

washing clothes away from home
If you need to wear clothing outside the home, take reasonable precautions:
Prepare your clothes before you leave home to minimize the amount of time you spend outside.
Try to go at a time when there are fewer people.
Keep physical distance with other people.
Put on disposable gloves if you have them, disinfect the surfaces of all machines you use, and avoid touching your face.
If you’re running a laundromat indoors, wait outside for the laundry to finish if you can.
Fold your clothes at home.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Also wash or sanitize your laundry bag/basket. Consider storing dirty clothes in disposable bags.
If you don’t have access to a laundromat, wash your clothes by hand at home with soap or detergent and adequate hot water.
Processing and cooking.
Although there is currently no evidence that people become infected with the COVID-19 virus through food or food packaging, people can become infected by touching a surface or object contaminated with the virus and then touching their face.
The greatest risk occurs when you are in close contact with others when buying food or receiving food delivery (for example, receiving any delivery in areas with local transmission). As always, good hygiene is important when handling food to prevent foodborne illness.

Food handling and packaging precautions
Remove any unnecessary packaging and dispose of in a closed trash container.
Remove food from to-go containers, place on a clean plate, and discard container.
Containers such as cans can be cleaned with a disinfectant before opening or storing.
Thoroughly wash unwrapped foods, such as fruits and vegetables, under running water.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

General food hygiene tips
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food.
Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and fish.
Cook foods to the recommended temperature.
If possible, store perishable foods in the refrigerator or frozen, and pay attention to expiration dates on foods.
Try to recycle or dispose of food waste and packaging properly and hygienically, avoiding accumulations of waste that can attract pests.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating, and make sure your children do the same.
Always use clean plates and cutlery.